Moving During COVID-19: Safe Moving in Minneapolis

Moving During COVID-19: Safety Protocols for Minneapolis Moves

Moving house is always a logistical challenge, but when you add health considerations to the mix, it can feel downright overwhelming. Whether you are moving across town to a new apartment in Minneapolis or planning a long-distance relocation, safety is now a top priority for every household.

At Blue Dolly Moving & Storage, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of relocating during these changing times. The good news? With a bit of proactive planning and the right safety protocols, you can transition to your new home smoothly and safely.

Here is everything you need to know about safe moving in the Twin Cities during COVID-19.

1. Prioritize Virtual Estimates and Digital Planning

In the past, a moving consultant would walk through your home to provide a quote. To minimize foot traffic and maintain social distancing, the industry has shifted toward digital solutions.

• Video Surveys: Most professional movers now offer estimates via FaceTime, Zoom, or proprietary apps. This allows you to show the volume of your belongings without an in-person visit.
• Digital Paperwork: Request electronic contracts and digital payment options to avoid exchanging physical pens and paper on moving day.
• Planning Tools: Use our online cost calculator to get an immediate ballpark figure for your move without needing an initial site visit.

2. Smart Packing and Sanitization Hacks

When moving during COVID-19, how you handle your belongings matters just as much as how you handle the movers. Since the virus can live on various surfaces for several hours or days, timing your packing is a smart strategy.

• Pack Early: Try to finish your packing at least 24 hours (ideally 48–72) before the movers arrive. This allows any potential surface contaminants on the boxes to dissipate.
• New Materials Only: While it’s tempting to grab free boxes from the local grocery store, COVID-19 safety protocols suggest using new, clean packing supplies.
• Sanitize High-Touch Zones: After the movers have loaded the truck, do a quick wipe-down of doorknobs, light switches, and railings in both your old and new homes using an EPA-approved disinfectant.

3. Communication is Key to a Safe Move

Transparency is your best tool for keeping everyone healthy. If anyone in your household is feeling unwell, has been exposed to the virus, or is in a high-risk category, it is vital to communicate this to your moving company immediately.

Professional movers are highly flexible and would much rather reschedule for a later date than risk the health of their crew or your family. At Blue Dolly, we monitor our team’s health daily to ensure that every person entering your home is fit for duty.

4. What to Do on Moving Day

When the big day arrives, there are several practical steps you can take to maintain a safe environment:

• Social Distancing: Aim to keep a distance of at least six feet from the moving crew. Many families choose to stay in one designated room or even wait in the backyard while the heavy lifting happens.
• Ventilation: If the Minnesota weather permits, crack the windows open to increase airflow throughout the house.
• Hygiene Stations: Set up a dedicated sink with soap and disposable paper towels for the movers to wash their hands. If a sink isn't accessible, provide a bottle of hand sanitizer near the main entrance.
• Wear Masks: Even if mandates have eased, wearing a mask while in close proximity to the crew is a courtesy that many professional movers still appreciate to ensure mutual safety.

5. Transitioning to Your New Home Safely

Once you arrive at your new Minneapolis residence, the safety protocols don't stop. Before you start unpacking every box, consider these steps:

• Pre-Move Clean: If possible, visit the new home a day early to disinfect high-traffic surfaces.
• Identify Storage Needs: If you aren't ready to move everything in yet, consider utilizing professional storage solutions. This allows you to stage your move-in over a longer period, reducing the number of people in your new living space at once.
• Unpack Methodically: Just as you packed early, consider letting your boxes sit for a day or two in the garage or a spare room before unpacking them to ensure maximum safety.

Choosing a Rebalancing Partner You Can Trust

Moving is a significant life event, and doing it during a pandemic adds an extra layer of stress. By choosing a local Minneapolis moving company that takes safety protocols seriously, you can focus on the excitement of your new home rather than the logistics of the virus.

At Blue Dolly Moving & Storage, we are committed to the health and safety of our Twin Cities neighbors. Our crews are trained in the latest hygiene practices to ensure your move is as safe as it is efficient.

Ready to get started on your next chapter?

Get a free quote today or give us a call at (612) 268-5499 to discuss your upcoming move.